Avista, PG&E, Ameren AI demonstrations show great potential – but are other utilities ready?

New artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can optimize complexities across the power system if utilities and regulators can make data more accessible — and protect it, experts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 7, 2025

Data center supply, construction surged in 2024 amid AI boom

The rush to accommodate artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented demand for power-intensive infrastructures, CBRE says in a report.

By Brian Martucci • March 5, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Reliability

Rising peak demand, extreme weather and other factors are raising power outage risks in the U.S., but FERC and other stakeholders are pursuing multiple actions to address reliability concerns.

By Utility Dive staff

Grid equipment manufacturers anticipate 2% annual US load growth through 2050

Federal policy and incentives will play a key role in meeting the demand, according to National Electrical Manufacturers Association CEO Debra Phillips.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2025

Fortress backs behind-the-meter gas turbines to support AI hyperscalers

New APR Energy plans to deploy 100 MW of mobile gas turbines in support of an unnamed data center hyperscaler, and more similar deals are on the way, officials said.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2025

US governors press for infrastructure permitting reform

The governors also aim to ensure that the federal government meets its obligations for federally funded projects, the National Governors Association said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 24, 2025

Schneider Electric books strong 2024 revenue, earnings growth amid data center boom

DeepSeek’s more computing-efficient AI models have not affected hyperscalers’ expansion plans, but U.S. trade policy bears watching, company executives say. 

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 24, 2025

DeepSeek called a net positive for data centers despite overcapacity worries

More efficient AI models could reduce demand for liquid cooling retrofits while accelerating adoption, boosting the industry’s longer-term fortunes, experts say.

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 20, 2025

Uncertainty surrounds nuclear tax credit guidance, NRC changes: Morgan Lewis

It’s not yet clear what President Trump’s Feb. 18 order reining in executive-branch agencies means for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, attorney Scott Clausen said.

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 20, 2025

Exelon data center pipeline jumps to 17 GW as load forecast turns positive

CEO Calvin Butler called for new approaches to ensuring the PJM Interconnection has adequate power supplies. “A variety of solutions across regulated and merchant participants is necessary,” he said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 13, 2025

Transformer supply bottleneck threatens power system stability as load grows

Electric transformers are critical to managing power system reliability. Solutions to the bottleneck are emerging, but long wait times remain.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 12, 2025

FERC approves PJM’s fast-track power plant interconnection plan

However, agency commissioners said they are concerned the PJM Interconnection’s proposal for shovel-ready projects may not adequately address potential capacity shortfalls.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 12, 2025

Uncertainty clouds northern US grids amid Canada tariff threat

If a 10% tariff on Canadian electricity imports takes effect next month, U.S. Energy Information Administration data suggests thermal reserves could provide a backstop against shortages.

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 11, 2025

Neo-Nazi faces up to 20 years in prison for plot to attack Baltimore Gas & Electric substations

The plan to “completely destroy” Baltimore hinged on disabling five electrical substations. Experts say a lengthy outage could have occurred had the attack been successful.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2025

Puerto Rico utility LUMA plans to add 1 GW renewables, 700 MW storage

LUMA’s agreement with engineering and construction firm Linxon US calls for the development of nine “energy interconnection points” as part of Puerto Rico’s Tranche 1 renewable procurement plan.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 6, 2025

2025 US power sector outlook

The second Trump administration has ramped up energy transition uncertainty. Meanwhile, electricity demand from data centers and electrification continues to grow, and the resource mix is changing.

By Utility Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2025

Generator, advanced nuclear stocks reel as low-cost DeepSeek chills AI load growth outlook

Among the hardest hit were companies with large existing gas and nuclear fleets, along with advanced nuclear technology providers expected to benefit from rising demand for firm power.

By Brian Martucci • Jan. 28, 2025

FERC in Focus: Consumers, reliability and states are FERC’s top priorities, Chairman Christie says

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will tackle the “huge” issue of colocation, newly named Chairman Mark Christie said in an interview.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 28, 2025

NextEra partners with GE Vernova to build ‘gigawatts’ of gas generation

Behind-the-meter gas generation remains a novel concept, but NextEra sees potential for “large load customers,” company executives say.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 27, 2025

PG&E, other electric utilities call for Senate to pass forest management bill

The Fix Our Forests Act would make it easier for utilities to perform vegetation management on federal lands to reduce wildfire risks. The bill passed the House on Thursday.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2025

Utilities can turn to software for proactive outage communication to avoid leaving customers in the dark

Discover how utilities can leverage software to keep customers informed during outages and build trust.

By Lily Stein • Jan. 27, 2025

Trump freezes IRA funding

The White House issued a memo to clarify the funding pause, specifying that it pertains only to aspects of the law mentioned in Section 2 of the executive order.

By Kate Magill • Updated Jan. 23, 2025

The 2025 outlook for data center cooling

Rapidly increasing server rack densities and 24/7 uptime requirements will increase demand for liquid and hybrid cooling systems, including retrofits, these data center cooling experts say.

By Brian Martucci • Jan. 22, 2025

AI improvements, DERs and new generation needed to meet power demand: USEA panel

“Serving data center load is absolutely a national security challenge,” said NERC President and CEO Jim Robb.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2025

Moss Landing battery fire sparks calls to improve safety, ‘accountability’ for industry

The site’s fourth blaze in five years destroyed most of a 300-MW battery array owned by Vistra Energy and should serve as a “wake-up call” for the industry, local officials said.

By Brian Martucci • Updated Jan. 21, 2025

Liberty Energy, DC Grid partner on off-grid power for data centers and EV hubs

The alliance aims to “provide site-specific power solutions” with higher power conversion efficiency and lower emissions than current solutions, the companies said.

By Brian Martucci • Jan. 21, 2025